DoD to Delay Implementation of NSPS
September 12, 2007
Washington, D.C.—The Department of Defense (DoD) yesterday put out a release stating that the Department has no plans to implement the adverse actions, appeals and labor relations portions of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) at this time.
On July 2, 2007, NAGE and other unions representing DoD employees filed a submission with the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit requesting a review of the court's decision regarding the NSPS case. That request was not granted by the Court.
A sister union filed a request with the Court of Appeals for a stay on the issuance of the mandate that is necessary to implement the May 18, 2007 decision of the Court of Appeals, but that request was also denied by the Court. When the Appeals Court issues the mandate, which is expected to happen in the next few days, DoD will then be able to start implementation for bargaining unit Defense workers.
Despite the authority DoD will soon have to implement NSPS, the Department will not move bargaining unitworkers under the system in the very near future, a few months presumably. This delay is likely due to pending legislation the unions have secured in both the House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2008 Defense Authorization bill that would fundamentally alter NSPS. With change to the personnel system imminent, implementing the current plan would be disruptive and wasteful at this time.
The Defense Authorization bill is scheduled to be debated on the Senate floor next week and the following week.